Stone Temple Pilots Fires Scott Weiland; Frontman Responds

Wendy Geller

Stop The Presses! (NEW)February 27, 2013

Grammy-winning and multiplatinum-selling rockers Stone Temple Pilots have apparently 86’d their lead singer, Scott Weiland, who’s fronted the band since its inception. The firing was announced in a single terse sentence Wednesday.

“Stone Temple Pilots have announced they have officially terminated Scott Weiland,” read the statement, which was posted on the band’s official site and social media. No further information was offered.

If you’re surprised by the seemingly abrupt decision, you’re not alone. Weiland issued a comment in response, noting that he himself was not even personally told of the news.

“I learned of my supposed "termination" from Stone Temple Pilots this morning by reading about it in the press,” the frontman stated. “Not sure how I can be ‘terminated’ from a band that I founded, fronted and co-wrote many of its biggest hits, but that's something for the lawyers to figure out. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing all of my fans on my solo tour which starts this Friday.”

As of this posting, nearly 4,000 fans responded to the firing on the band’s Facebook account—a fairly even split consisting of some taking Weiland’s side, and some sympathizing with the rest of the group. “Why not just say that there is no more STP? You think anyone will listen to you without Scott Weiland?” said one fan.; while another pointed out, “AC/DC and Iron Maiden had even greater success with a second singer.”

Stone Temple Pilots, which rose to fame quickly upon release of breakthrough album Core in 1992, enjoyed consistent commercial success over the years. They broke up in 2002 to pursue individual projects, eventually reuniting in 2008 to tour and release a new record.

Weiland’s solo tour with backing band the Wildabouts kicks off in Flint, Mich. on March 1.